Far-right activist group Patriot Platform has staged protests at Basingstoke’s Police Investigation Centre and Crabtree Plantation in recent weeks.
Led by Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, the newly formed Patriot Platform says it unites people concerned about immigration, national identity and Britain’s future.
The group has drawn national attention with anti-immigration protests in coastal towns including Dover, Portsmouth and Gosport.
Patriot Platform members arrived in Basingstoke after Mr Thomas was arrested and reportedly held at Basingstoke Investigation Centre.
The 37-year-old pleaded not guilty to criminal damage after allegedly slashing a boat in the English Channel with an emergency responder on board.
At some demonstrations, protesters wore black clothes, balaclavas and other face coverings, sparking controversy and concern.
Police used their powers to force those taking part to remove face coverings at the protest in Basingstoke on September 24.
However, Hampshire Constabulary said its additional policing powers relating to face coverings were "neither required nor proportionate" to use at Crabtree.
A spokesperson said: "We do have additional powers relating to face coverings, although some of these powers relate specifically to protests. Where the legal threshold is met, we will use these powers fairly, proportionately and without favour."
Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy criticised the group following the protest, describing them as deploying “hate, fear, and division, which is contrary to the community spirit that defines our town”.
Their activity in Basingstoke has raised questions as to whether face coverings should be banned completely.
It is a move that is being introduced in other areas where face coverings have caused problems.
Charnwood Borough Council’s cabinet proposed banning face coverings in Loughborough town centre, with councillors due to consider the plan on October 8.
The proposed order would ban scarves, balaclavas and masks used to conceal someone’s identity while they engage in behaviour likely to cause “harassment, alarm or distress”.
The proposal follows a similar ban in Nottingham city centre on September 15 and comes after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for full face coverings to be banned in public, including those worn for religious reasons, after masked protesters gathered in Dover.
Stafford Borough Council approved plans to ban balaclavas under a public spaces protection order, while West Midlands leaders said they wanted the region to do the same.
What do you think about bans on face coverings, which do not apply to those worn for legitimate medical, religious or cultural reasons? Would you support this in Basingstoke and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
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